Ambajogai

Image:Yogeshwari Temple entrance.jpg

The town has been a cultural center in the region from the ancient times. The Yogeshwari temple, Kholeshwar temple and Barakhambi temple hints the cultural prosperity of the town dating back to 10th century AD. It was formerly known as Amrapur, Jayantipur, Jogaiambe.{{Cite news |date=2024-03-25 |title=Two temple bases found during excavation in Ambajogai, says Maharashtra Archaeology Dept official |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/two-temple-bases-found-during-excavation-in-ambajogai-says-maharashtra-archaeology-dept-official/article67990246.ece |access-date=2024-05-08 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite news |title=Maharashtra: Two temple foundations unearthed during excavation in Ambajogai |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel-news/maharashtra-two-temple-foundations-unearthed-during-excavation-in-ambajogai/articleshow/108789400.cms |access-date=2024-05-08 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}

Ambajogai named by The Amba – (Goddess Parvati / Durga) by his birthplace (jogai), who appeared at this place to finish Dantasura (a devil). It was also known as Jaywantinagar by name of King (Raja) Jaywant and river's name Jayawanti, turned to Mominabad under the regime of Nizam of Hyderabad before the annexation of Hyderabad state to the dominion of India.{{Cite web |last=Mahotsav |first=Amrit |title=Shah Buruj: A fiery testimony to the freedom movement |url=https://amritmahotsav.nic.in/district-reopsitory-detail.htm?10063 |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=Ministry of Culture, Government of India |language=English}} Many heritage sites and temples were harmed during this period. It was a military base of the Hyderabad state army. The stable of the horses of the cavalry of the Hyderabad army was later turned into a hospital and medical college which later was named as Swami Ramanand Teerth Rural Medical College.{{Cite web |title=The Gazetteers Department - Bhir |url=https://cultural.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/Beed/places_ambejogai.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328014127/https://cultural.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/Beed/places_ambejogai.html |archive-date=2016-03-28 |website=cultural.maharashtra.gov}}

1. Shri Yogeshwari Devi Temple
2. Adyakavi Mukundaraj Swami Temple
3. Shri Bada Hanuman Temple
4. Sarvagna Dasopant Temple
5. Shri Renukai Devi Temple (Lahan Jogai)
6. Shri Khoparnath Temple
7. Thorale and Dhakate Devghar (Temple)
8. Shri. Ram Temple
9. Butteenath (The God of Herbal Remedies)
10. Shri Kshirsagareshwar Temple
11. Shri Balaji Temple
12. Shri Kedareshwar Temple (Lord Mahadev Temple)
13. Shri Bhucharnath Temple{{Cite book |last=रापतवार |first=सुदर्शन |url=https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=hZAuEQAAQBAJ |title=मंदिराचे गाव |date=2024-08-15 |publisher=Madhyam Publication |isbn=978-81-902787-7-5 |language=mr}} (Shivleni Caves Hattikhana Caves, Elephanta Caves, Bhu-char-nath,){{Cite web |title=Elephant Caves – Marathwada Tourism Development Chamber (MTDC) |url=https://www.marathwadatourism.com/en/elephant-caves/ |access-date=2024-11-12 |language=en-US}}File:Bhucharnath cave temple Ambajogai Maharashtra 004.jpgFile:Bhucharinath cave temple Ambajogai Maharashtra 001.jpg Historical and Archaeological Significance Ambajogai, a city of ancient origins, Among the noteworthy archaeological remains are two elephant caves, located approximately 1 to 1.5 kilometers northwest of the Yogeshwari Temple along the banks of the Jayawanti River. These caves are carved into the riverbanks on both sides: a larger cave on the right bank and a smaller one on the left. The larger cave is associated with a local legend connecting it to the marriage of Goddess Yogeshwari and Lord Vaidyanath. It is currently under the care and maintenance of the Archaeological Department and remains in relatively good condition. The smaller cave contains Jain rock-cut sculptures, including depictions of Nagas, Mahavir Parshvanath, Rishabhanatha, their Yakshis, attendants, and a panel featuring the 24 Tirthankaras. Additionally, remnants of Shaivism sculptures in a dilapidated state have been found in the vicinity. The cave also includes narrow chambers and small monk cells, indicative of its use by Jain ascetics. now one small area is a major sewage drain from various parts of the city now empties near the entrance of the larger elephant cave. The smaller elephant cave, once a significant site of historical and cultural value, is on the verge of extinction due to years of neglect and encroachment.
14. Shri Shambhuling Shivacharya Math
15. Shri Kholewar Temple{{Cite book |last=रापतवार |first=सुदर्शन |url=https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=hZAuEQAAQBAJ |title=मंदिराचे गाव |date=2024-08-15 |publisher=Madhyam Publication |isbn=978-81-902787-7-5 |language=mr}} File:Kholeshwar-ambajogai-maharashtra-002.jpg Kholeshwar Temple, one of the prominent historical and religious landmarks in Ambajogai, is a 13th-century Hemadpanthi Hindu temple. According to an inscription within the temple, it was constructed in 1162 Shaka (1240 CE) by Lakshmi, the daughter of Kholeshwar, in memory of her younger brother Ram, who was killed in a battle. Situated south of Ambajogai near the fort of King Jaitrapala AKA Jaitugi, the temple is east-facing and stands as a fine example of Yadava-era architecture. The temple features a grand stone platform and an intricately carved stone mandapa supported by four stone pillars. An inscription on the left side of the entrance provides historical details, affirming the temple's origins. The name "Kholeshwar" is believed to have originated from local lore about the influence of the deity Kholeshwar on the region, which eventually overshadowed its original identity as a Shiva temple. During the Nizam era, the temple's hall was repurposed as a courtroom, later relocated. Built on a solid stone foundation, the temple also features a large bastion to its right, known as Jaitrapal's Fort, later renamed Shah Buruj during the Nizam period. This bastion holds historical significance, with several events from the Hyderabad Liberation Struggle associated with it. The Kholeshwar Temple and its surroundings remain a testament to the region’s rich history and architectural heritage.
16. Shri Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple and Papnashi Tirth
17. Shri Sakleshwar Mahadev Temple (Barakhambi Temple){{Cite book |last=रापतवार |first=सुदर्शन |url=https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=hZAuEQAAQBAJ |title=मंदिराचे गाव |date=2024-08-15 |publisher=Madhyam Publication |isbn=978-81-902787-7-5 |language=mr}}File:Barakhambi temple 1 Ambajogai Maharashtra.jpg Chalukya-Era Sankleshwar Temple The Sankleshwar Temple is near Ambajogai, a fine example of 11th-century Chalukyan architecture, recently garnered attention during a cleanliness drive in the area. While clearing the vicinity, a group of local volunteers uncovered approximately 60 to 70 idols buried underground, including partially damaged and intact sculptures, alongside remnants of temple structures and a stepwell. These discoveries, reported with visuals in newspapers and television, prompted a visit from an Archaeological Department team led by Assistant Director Ajit Khandare on Republic Day. The team expressed strong disapproval of the excavation activities conducted without proper permissions, as they caused significant damage to the artifacts and the temple. According to the department, excavations of such sites require authorization under the Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878 and the Bombay Treasure Trove Rules of 1958. During their inspection, the Archaeological Department observed extensive unauthorized digging up to 12 feet deep, carried out using heavy machinery like JCBs. This resulted in the exposure of the temple's foundational elements, particularly on the left side of the sanctum, making the structure unstable and hazardous. The team speculated that the site could originally have been part of a area of three interconnected temples. Plans were announced to conduct systematic archaeological excavations and conservation efforts to restore the temple to its original form. Citizens were urged to protect this invaluable heritage and refrain from any further unauthorized activities in the area to prevent additional damage.
18. Shri Amaleshwar Mahadev Temple
19. Nagzhari Kund and Mahadev Temple
20. Shri Kashivishwanath Temple
21. Shri Digambar Jain Temple
22. Shri Chaubhara Ganapati Temple
23. Dharoba Temple  

Ambajogai's people believed to have once been home to 24 Shiva temples and nearly 50 other temples, though many of these are now lost to history, remembered only through stories from the town's elders. This list highlights the remaining temples and sacred sites in Ambajogai, showcasing its rich spiritual heritage and cultural significance.{{Cite book |last=रापतवार |first=सुदर्शन |url=https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=hZAuEQAAQBAJ |title=मंदिराचे गाव |date=2024-08-15 |publisher=Madhyam Publication |isbn=978-81-902787-7-5 |language=mr}}

The city is the cultural capital of Marathwada. Known in ancient times as Ambanagari and later as Jayavantinagar during King Jayavanta's rule, it was renamed Mominabad under the Nizam’s reign. This city, nestled along the banks of the Jayanti River{{Cite news |last=महाराष्ट्र टाइम्स. |first=कॉम |date=21 June 2019 |title=जयवंती, वाण नदी प्लास्टिकमुक्त |url=https://marathi.indiatimes.com/maharashtra/pune-news/jayavanti-varieties-river-free-from-river/articleshow/69880110.cms |access-date=2 November 2024 |work=marathi.indiatimes.com |pages=1 |language=mr}} in Beed district, is wellconnected to many other districts in Maharashtra, making it easily accessible.

• Latitude: 18.75147° or 18° 45' 5" north
• Longitude: 76.36763° or 76° 22' 4" east
• Elevation: 541 metres (1,775 feet)
• Open Location Code: 7JCRQ929+H3
• GeoNames ID: 10436029

1. Swami Ramanand Teerth a prominent Indian freedom fighter, social reformer, and educationalist, was noted for his significant contributions to the liberation of the Hyderabad State from the rule of the Nizam. Born on October 3, 1903, in Maharashtra, he became a leader in the Hyderabad Liberation Movement and worked tirelessly to integrate Hyderabad into independent India.Teerth was a strong advocate for social reforms, including education and aiding marginalized communities. He promoted a secular and progressive ideology, focusing on the welfare of the masses. As an educator, helped found educational institutions in the Marathwada region, Named "Shri. Yogeshwari Shikshan Sanstha"{{Cite web |title=Yogeshwari Nutan HS Amba – Ambajogai District Bid (Maharashtra) |url=https://schools.org.in/bid/27270101635/yogeshwari-nutan-hs-amba.html |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=schools.org.in}} contributing greatly to the intellectual and social development of the area. Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University was named in his honor.{{Cite book |last=Teerth |first=Swami Ramanand |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UFJSPgAACAAJ |title=Hyderabad Swatantrasangramachya Aathavani |publisher=Popular Prakashan Pvt. Limited |isbn=978-81-7185-208-6 |language=en}}
2. Pramod Mahajan
3. Vimal Mundada
4. Namita Mundada

Ambajogai, starting with Mukundraj, the author of Viveksindhu,{{Cite web |date=2019-07-02 |title=मुकुंदराजांचा 'विवेकसिंधू' |url=https://blogs.maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/paule-chalati/first-published-literature-in-marathi-vivek-sindhu/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Maharashtra Times Blog |language=mr}} the first Marathi book. The town is also home to Dasopant, known for his Pachodi{{Cite web |title=संत सर्वज्ञ, नाथपंचकांमधील एक संतश्रेष्ठ दासोपंत |url=https://marathi.indiatimes.com/astro/religion-festival-news/death-anniversary-of-sant-dasopant-who-wrote-a-huge-literature-in-marathi-language/articleshow/74131224.cms |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Maharashtra Times |language=mr}}—poems written on cloth. Over the years, many writers from Ambajogai have contributedto Marathi literature.

Ambajogai hosts the literary meeting Ambajogai Sahitya Sammelan,{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-02-17 |title=दासू वैद्य यांची १० व्या अंबाजोगाई साहित्य संमेलनाच्या अध्यक्षपदी निवड |url=https://www.lokmat.com/beed/dasu-vaidya-elected-as-president-of-10th-ambajogai-sahitya-sammelan-a320/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Lokmat News Network |language=mr}}{{Cite web |last=Madyam |first=Team |date=2022-07-12 |title=अंबाजोगाई साहित्य संमेलनानिमित्त निबंध स्पर्धा - Madhyam News |url=https://madhyamnews.com/essay-competition-on-the-occasion-of-ambajogai-sahitya-sammelan/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2010-03-30 |title=Marathi varsity to come up in Ambajogai |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/marathi-varsity-to-come-up-in-ambajogai/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite web |last= |date=2021-07-30 |title=९ व्या आंबाजोगाई साहित्य संमेलनाच्या अध्यक्षपदी कमलाकर कांबळे |url=https://www.lokmat.com/beed/kamlakar-kamble-president-9th-ambajogai-sahitya-sammelan-a705/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Lokmat News Network |language=mr}}{{Cite web |last=Bharat |first=E. T. V. |date=2022-08-18 |title=Sahitya Sammelan अंबाजोगाईत शुक्रवार पासून साहित्य संमेलन, भरगच्च कार्यक्रमांची मेजवानी |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/marathi/maharashtra/state/beed/sahitya-sammelan-in-ambajogai-from-friday/mh20220818172850704704457 |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=mr}} which was initiated by figures like Sudarshan Rapatwar{{Cite web |last=Rapatwar |first=Sudarshan |date=2022-07-28 |title=श्री संत नामदेव महाराज संजीवन समाधी सोहळा अंबाजोगाईत साजरा - Madhyam News |url=https://madhyamnews.com/shri-sant-namdev-maharaj-sanjeevan-samadhi-ceremony-celebrated-in-ambajogai/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |language=en-US}}{{Cite book |last=रापतवार |first=सुदर्शन |url=https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=hZAuEQAAQBAJ |title=मंदिराचे गाव |date=2024-08-15 |publisher=Madhyam Publication |isbn=978-81-902787-7-5 |language=mr}}{{Cite web |title=Lokmat ePaper: Marathi News Paper {{!}} Online English, Hindi & Marathi Paper {{!}} Daily News ePaper{{!}} Today's News Papers {{!}} लोकमत वृत्तपत्रे |url=https://epaper.lokmat.com/articlepage.php?articleid=LOK_HBED_20241214_3_8 |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=epaper.lokmat.com}} and Amar Habib.{{Cite web |last=marathi |title=Amar-habib: Current News: Latest News, Photos, Videos, Live updates and Top Headlines on Amar-habib {{!}} ABP Majha |url=https://marathi.abplive.com/authors/amar-habib |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=marathi.abplive.com |language=mr}}

{{As of|2011}} India census, Ambajogai had a population of 74,844. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Ambajogai has an average literacy rate of 85.89%, higher than the national average of 74.04%; with 91.58% of the males and 79.88% of females literate. 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. Saraswati public school is residential school since last 22 years.

From ancient times, Ambajogai has been referred as the "Shikshanache Maherghar" (meaning: Motherland of Education). Since preindependence era, the council has been home to educational institutions motivated by particular objectives. The educational organisations such as Shree Yogeshwari Shikshan Sanstha and Bhartiya Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha was established before the formation Maharashtra. Ambajogai's Yogeshwari Mahavidyalaya was founded a year before to Marathwada University (now Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University). There are 14 higher secondary colleges in Ambajogai town and division,{{Cite web |date=2014-06-21 |title=मराठवाड्याच्या शिक्षण पंढरीला उतरती कळा |url=https://www.lokmat.com/aurangabad/declaration-marathwada-education-pandheri/ |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=Lokmat |language=mr}} including the first rural medical college in Asia – Swami Ramanand Teerth Rural Medical College.{{Cite web |title=Swami Ramanand Tirth Rural Govt. Medical College |url=https://www.srtrmca.org/ |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=www.srtrmca.org}}

• Pramod Mahajan
• Shah Buruj
• Swami Ramanand Teerth Rural Medical College and Hospital{{Cite web |title=Swami Ramanand Tirth Rural Govt. Medical College |url=https://www.srtrmca.org/ |access-date=2024-11-12 |website=www.srtrmca.org}}
• Vimal Mundada
• Namita Mundada

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Category:Cities and towns in Beed district

Category:Archaeological sites in Maharashtra

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